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The 2019 Morocco Exit: Renard Finally Admits a Mistake

20 February 2026

The 2019 Morocco Exit: Renard Finally Admits a Mistake
Renard reflects on a defining Moroccan chapter.

The Confession

French coach Hervé Renard, who led the Saudi national team, admits that leaving Morocco in 2019 was a mistake.

Renard stepped away from Morocco in 2019 after a Africa Cup of Nations exit in the Round of 16 against Benin, despite his contract running through 2022.

In a Colin Interview on YouTube, Renard said: "I should have stayed with the Moroccan team and not left".

Morocco Chapter Revisited

He added, "I spent three and a half years in Morocco, I left part of my heart there, and I should have kept going until my 2022 contract".

Renard guided the Atlas Lions to the World Cup finals in 2018, after a 20-year absence from the tournament.

He stressed that what followed after leaving Morocco showed the departure was not the right move.

Finally, he stated, "I supported the Moroccan team against France in the 2022 World Cup semifinal".

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What confession did Renard make?

He admitted that leaving Morocco in 2019 was a mistake and that he should have stayed until 2022.

What are Renard’s notable achievements with Morocco?

He led Morocco to the 2018 World Cup after a 20-year absence and spent about three-and-a-half years with the team.

What did Renard say about the 2022 World Cup semifinal?

He said he supported the Moroccan team against France in the 2022 semifinal.

Where can you watch the interview?

The Colin Interview on YouTube.